LIB DEMS REFER HOME CARE FIASCO TO REGULATOR AS EVIDENCE POINTS TO COUNTY COUNCIL BUNGLE

2.39.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 19th Jun 2008

The County Council has been reported to the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) over the collapse of its contract reletting process in three areas of the county.

Liberal Democrat Leader Chris White says: 'We have now had a meeting with one of the companies involved. It is quite clear that the fault lies largely with the County Council in how it managed the previous care suppliers and in how it supervised the contract changes.

'It is this area that needs to be looked at by the County Council's own scrutiny process - although there seems to be remarkably little urgency to get an investigation under way.

'What sickens me is the way the Conservatives are seeking to blame other people for what is manifestly a problem of their own making.'

Councillor Nick Hollinghurst, Adult Care Services Spokesperson added: 'The collapse of these contracts left many vulnerable people at risk. The situation left me no choice but to contact the inspectors about this incredible mess. Having spoken with them I am assured that they have a hold of the situation but we will be monitoring this closely.'